How to Test a Furnace Without a Pilot Light
Your furnace's pilot light is an essential component. If the pilot light is out, the furnace will not light the incoming gas. This means the heater will not heat the house. Gas may leak into the home as well. Troubleshoot your pilot light immediately if it is out. Often, the pilot light is dirty or the flame needs adjusting, but sometimes the thermocouple, which tells the pilot light to turn on, may be faulty. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn off the electricity to the unit by flipping the circuit breaker that controls the furnace to the off position. Turn the gas off by closing the gas valve connected to the unit.
-
2
Open up the front of the furnace by pulling the front panel forward after engaging the release button.
-
-
3
Search for the pilot light at the bottom of the unit and stick a wire into the pilot light orifice to remove any dirt. Turn on the gas and electric to the furnace. Hold a match to the pilot light and press the ignite button.
-
4
Adjust the pilot light flame screw, using a screwdriver to adjust the flame if it ignites. You want a 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch flame that is blue with no yellow. Shut off the gas and electric again if this does not work.
-
5
Disconnect the thermocouple wire from the main gas valve, using a wrench. Disconnect the gas tube from the gas valve as well.
-
6
Pull out the pilot light burner from the unit, holding the thermocouple wire and gas tubing to prevent it from bending.
-
7
Pull the thermocouple with its wire out of the burner. It will slide out.
-
8
Insert a new thermocouple and reconnect the tubing to the gas valve. Turn on the electric and gas. Test the unit by turning up the thermostat until the furnace engages.
-
1
